Universal Display achieves 30 lumens per watt in white OLED

Universal Display Corp. has demonstrated a white organic light-emitting-diode (OLED) lighting panel with a power efficiency of 30 lumens per watt (lm/W) using its phosphorescent OLED technology.

Universal Display claims the power output of the white LED, being demonstrated at the Society of Optical Engineering Symposia and Exhibition in San Diego this week, is the highest to date. Power efficiencies of the 6 x 6-in. prototype panel were measured at color temperatures between 2,900 and 5,700 degrees Kelvin (K).

According to the company, the power efficiency of the panel was achieved at a color temperature of 4,000 K, comparable to the color temperature and power efficiency of a cool fluorescent lamp. By comparison, typical incandescent light bulbs emit light at around 15 to 20 lm/W with a color temperature of 2,900 K.

Universal estimates that the panel produces 150 lumens of optical power at 15 lm/W and 3,700 K color temperature. The company, aided by U.S. Dept. of Energy funding, is seeking to develop an energy-efficient white light alternative to incandescent and fluorescent lighting.

What is OLED?
Also known as organic light emitting device, organic light emitting diode, this light-emitting device typically consists of a series of organic layers between two electrical contacts (electrodes). OLEDs can be made using small-molecular weight organic materials (SM-OLEDs) or polymer-based materials (PLEDs, LEPs).